JLPT N3 Grammar – The difference between “〜ごと” and “〜おき”

Table of Contents

1. The difference between “〜ごと” and “〜おき”
2. 〜ごと
3. 〜おき
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comments

Q: What is the difference between “〜ごと” and “〜おき”?

A:“〜ごと” and “〜おき” are used to show that things happen repeatedly at the same interval.
However, depending on the unit used, the meaning can change, so they cannot always be used interchangeably.
The key point is whether the number shows how many times something is done in a certain period, or how long a period is left between actions.

〜ごと (JLPT N3)

[Meanings]
① Once every ~
② Each, respectively

[Rules]
[V] Verb Dictionary form ＋ごと
[N] Numeral ＋ counter＋ごと
[N] Noun ＋ごと

[Examples]
ワールドカップは4年ねんごとに開催かいさいされます。
The World Cup is held every four years.

コンビニが500mごとにあります。
There is a convenience store every 500 meters.

クラスごとに発表はっぴょうしました。
We presented by class.

〜おき (JLPT N3)

[Meanings]
Repeat something after a certain period

[Rules]
[N] Numeral ＋ counter＋おき

[Examples]
この薬くすりは6時間じかんおきに飲のんでください。
Please take this medicine every six hours.

30mおきに木きが植うえられています。
Trees are planted every 30 meters.

駅えきへ向むかうバスは15分ふんおきに出でています。
Buses to the station leave every 15 minutes.

Let’s Compare

[Connection with Verbs]

Only “〜ごと” can be used with verbs.
“〜ごと” shows that each time a certain action happens, a result or change follows.

[Example]
彼かれは失敗しっぱいするごとに成長せいちょうしていっています。
He grows with every failure.
⇒ He keeps repeating the process of failing and growing.

彼女かのじょは経験けいけんを積つむごとに、自信じしんを持もつようになりました。

As she gains experience, she becomes more confident.
⇒ Each time her experience increases, her state changes.

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[Unit①: seconds, minutes, hours, distance]

With units that express clearly countable intervals, such as seconds, minutes, hours, and distance, both “〜ごと” and “〜おき” can be used with almost the same meaning.

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[Unit②: days, weeks, years]

When used with units such as days, weeks, and years, the meanings of “〜ごと” and “〜おき” are different, so care is needed.

• “〜ごと”: once every ◯◯
• “〜おき”: do something again after leaving a gap of ◯◯

In other words, if the number is used incorrectly, the meaning will change, so it is important to be careful.

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[Unit③: expressions that count items or groups]

With expressions such as “〜つ,” “〜pages,” “〜sheets,” and “〜times,” which count items, number of times, or groups rather than time or distance, the form used is “〜ごと.”
These expressions mean “each time a certain unit or group occurs.”

In this case, “〜おき” is not used, because “〜おき” is used with words that express intervals, such as time or distance.

[Examples]
問題もんだいを1つ解とくごとに、答こたえを確認かくにんしましょう。
Check the answer after solving each question.

この本ほんはなぜか2ページごとに、らくがきがあります。
For some reason, there is graffiti every two pages in this book.

Summary

[〜ごと]

• “〜ごと” expresses that each time a certain event occurs, the same action or change is repeated. Its meaning is close to “once every ◯◯.”
• With seconds, minutes, hours, and distance, it shows that something happens regularly at a fixed interval.
• With days, weeks, and years, it means “once every ◯◯,” focusing on how many times an action occurs.
• When used with expressions that count items, number of times, or groups (such as “〜つ” or “〜pages”), it means each time that unit or group occurs.
• Only “〜ごと” can be used directly with verbs (dictionary form).

[〜おき]

• “〜おき” focuses on the length of time left between one action and the next.
• With seconds, minutes, hours, and distance, it is often used with almost the same meaning as “〜ごと.”
• With days, weeks, and years, it means doing something again after leaving a gap of ◯◯, and the number indicates the length of the gap.
• “〜おき” is used with nouns that express intervals such as time or distance, and it does not connect with expressions for items, number of times, groups, or with verbs.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

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